Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis yesterday ordered a social inquiry report be conducted on a 36-year-old Devonshire man who stole more than $800 worth of liquor to support his drug habit.

Howard Burgess, of Duck Hill, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to two counts of breaking and entering.

Police prosecutor Sgt. John Dale said Burgess, on July 2, helped the staff of Cala's Kitchen pack away liquor left over from a cruise.

But when the complainant returned to the restaurant early the next morning, he found that several cases of liquor had been removed.

Sgt. Dale said Burgess was taken into custody later the same day but insisted he did not know anything about the incident.

The following day Burgess admitted the offences.

He said he entered the restaurant through a rear door and stole 17 bottles of liquor worth $431.91, which he sold on Court Street for drugs.

After smoking the drugs he returned to the restaurant and stole an additional 15 bottles worth $405.10, which he sold for more drugs.

Mr. Francis released Burgess on $800 bail and ordered him to return to court on August 16 when the social inquiry report was due.